Their parents, however, didn't believe a word of it. Instead, they dismissed the children’s claims as nonsense—and, worse, as ominous talk that only served to infuriate them further. One by one, they grabbed the children and sat them across their knees to give them a sound thrashing. Some of the bolder matrons simply snatched up brooms and chased them down.
"That'll teach you to spout such nonsense!"
"I told you not to go anywhere near that man!"
"If you don't get a beating, you'll never learn!"
For a time, half the village was filled with the wailing and howling of children, their cries echoing endlessly.
Chapter 324